The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in the winter 2012-13 quarter:

Matthew Kissel of Randolph earned a Bachelor of Science degree in game design and development from RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Alexandra Strohmeier of Groton earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in professional photographic illustration from RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

University of Vermont students were inducted into various honor societies during ceremonies held earlier this spring by the School of Business Administration. Included were local students: Craig Bolio of East Montpelier was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society; and Kevin Kohlmorgen of Stowe was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society.

Local residents were recognized for achievements in academics and service, at Honors Day ceremonies held by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont April 19. They include:

Kalii M. LaRochelle of Waitsfield received the American Society of Animal Science Award.

Collin S. Kwasnik of Williamstown received the Scholastic Achievement in Biological Sciences.

Cody R. Renaud of St. Johnsbury received the Community Entrepreneurship Scholastic Achievement.

Cody J. Paiva of South Ryegate received the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Award.

Presidential scholars

MONTPELIER — Gov. Peter Shumlin recently congratulated the six Vermont semifinalists of the 2013 Presidential Scholars Program who were chosen for their academic and artistic success, leadership abilities, and community and school involvement.

“The Presidential Scholars program recognizes some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors,” the governor said. “These young Vermonters have worked hard to achieve this success and I am proud of their accomplishments. This is also a recognition of all of the other important players — parents and family members, teachers, fellow students, friends and neighbors — who have supported the hard work and commitment of these remarkable achievers.”

Started in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, the program each year selects up to 141 students from across the nation. According to the federal Department of Education, these Presidential Scholars represent “excellence in education and the promise of greatness.” Finalists will be selected shortly, and the scholars will be honored in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in June.

This year’s semifinalists, winnowed from a list of 46 in Vermont and 3,900 nationally, include a talented violinist, a student who will study neuroscience at Yale next fall, and more bright accomplishments.

Civil War stops

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission and Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing recently announced the 2013 Top 10 Exhibits and Events competition winners. Top 10 events and exhibits are selected annually and are chosen for their efforts to bring to life Vermont’s Civil War experience with history from the homefront and battlefield.

“The quality and breadth of these exhibits, organizations and events are exemplary,” state Cultural Heritage Tourism Coordinator Catherine Brooks said. “This year, Rokeby Museum opens a multimedia exhibit presenting the true stories of two escaped slaves who were helped by a Ferrisburgh family in the 1830s. Lost Nation Theater and the Dorset Theatre Festival are producing provocative Civil War plays. Commemorative large-scale events like the St. Albans Civil War Heritage Weekend feature eye-opening Civil War soldier and civilian living history encampments.”

“2013 is a great year for exploring Vermont’s Civil War history,” said Mark Hudson, chairman of the Vermont Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. “We’re especially excited about the 2013 Signature Event, ‘Ransom,’ a musical inspired by Civil War letters written by Rochester residents,” which opened Friday at Lost Nation Theater.

MONTPELIER — “Rotary Clubs have been serving the needs of communities worldwide since 1905,” stated Lindel James, Montpelier Rotary Club president. “Our Rotary Club is pleased to honor a member of our community, Corrine Sheridan, who has been serving the needs of the Montpelier community for nearly 60 years.” Sheriden was named Montpelier Rotary Club 2013 Distinguished Citizen of the Year at a recent Rotary Club luncheon.

Over the past 25 years Sheriden has volunteered weekly at the Montpelier Food Pantry. She has worked to increase its resources by gathering food and donations at City Hall during voting events. She was instrumental in moving the Montpelier Rotary Club to collect food donations at its regular meeting the fourth Monday of each month.

She has also volunteered with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and is a longtime member and contributor to the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. Her baking and crafting talents have been featured in many Christmas bazaars, craft and bake sales. She also runs a weekly bridge game at the center.

Montpelier Mayor John Hollar read a resolution honoring Sheriden. Numerous friends and fellow volunteers spoke about her dedication to the community. These included Kimberly Lashua from the Food Pantry, Gesulado Schneider, Barbara Prentice, Loretta Schneider from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, her son Jim representing the family, Charlie Wiley, 2012 Distinguished Citizen of the Year and longtime friend and neighbor. Sheriden and her husband, Jim, raised three sons in Montpelier. They have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Central Vermont Medical Center

A daughter, Kayleen Loria Musgrave, was born April 15, 2013, to Kathryn Frattini and Keith Musgrave of Barre.

A son, Eliotte Marcel Blaisdell, was born April 17, 2013, to Adele (Dailey) and Aaron Blaisdell of Graniteville.

A son, Gabriel Michael Hood, was born April 20, 2013, to Amanda Williams and Thomas Boggs-Harte of Barre.

A daughter, Londyn Madison Dorney, was born April 20, 2013, to Phalan Haney of Barre.

Copley Hospital

A daughter, Else Julia Long, was born April 3, 2013, to Dorrance and Anna Long of Morrisville.

A daugher, Saige Ryan Stygles, was born April 15, 2013, to Brooke Miller and Richard Stygles of Eden.

A son, North David French, was born April 15, 2013, to Sasha Gendron and Dennis French of Stowe.

A son, Owen Wallace Pitkin Miller, was born April 16, 2013, to Lydia Pitkin and Brock Miller of Marshfield.

A son, Collin Pau Tallman, was born April 17, 2013, to Shelby Miller and Lucas Tallman of Hyde Park.

A daughter, Esme Claire Thibault, was born April 17, 2013, to Ryan and Amber Thibault of Hyde Park.

Gifford Medical Center

A son, Cooper Harold Doney, was born April 2, 2013, to Krystal and Ryan Doney of Barre Town.

A daughter, Eliza Lucille Bakeman, was born April 10, 2013, to Gretchen Elias and Eric Bakeman of Montpelier.

A son, Simon Randall Ferris, was born April 15, 2013, to Amy and Randall Ferris of Randolph.